I realize Ruger is America mfg, and Tikka bbs set the bar like Sako, but is a Ruger the better value?
I think so...
Comparing the two, the Tikka has the advantage:
Barrel - Tikka.
Action - Tikka.
Trigger - Tikka.
Stock - Tikka.
Accuracy - Tikka.
But all of those margins are small, and the Ruger is a close 2nd on all those points of comparison.
The Tikka likely has the slight edge in the barrel department, but Ruger is putting decent barrels on the RAR.
This assumes that QC is up to standards, and that depends on the individual rifle. If I ever had a QC problem, I'd much rather be dealing with Ruger by a long shot. Personally speaking, I likely won't be buying a Tikka, but I will be looking at a couple of SS Ruger Compacts when they arrive here.
Either way, for the small price difference between the two, I'd recommend you handle both of them and go with the rifle you prefer in hand, and not to base the decision on price.
